Pivoting hold-down device for use with an apparatus for manufacturing a package

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a hold-down device for use in the packaging industry. For example, the hold-down may be used with an apparatus for manufacturing a package. The hold-down may be configured to retain a packaging structure during the evacuation and/or sealing steps of a packaging process. The hold-down may include an elongate member and an attachment assembly. The elongate member may be configured to pivot and/or rotate about its longitudinal axis in response to a force exerted on the packaging structure during an evacuation and/or sealing step of a packaging process.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/753,361 entitled PIVOTING HOLD-DOWN DEVICE FOR USEWITH AN APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING A PACKAGE, filed Jan. 16, 2013,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally directed to a pivoting hold-downdevice for use in the packaging industry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments disclosed herein will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only typicalembodiments, which will be described with additional specificity anddetail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hold-down device, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the hold-down device of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the hold-down device ofFIG. 1, taken along the view line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the hold-down device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the hold-down device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hold-down device, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hold-down device, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view a hold-down device retaining a packagingstructure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed tohold-down devices that may be used in the packaging industry. Hold-downdevices, such as the hold-down devices disclosed herein, may be used ina packaging apparatus to hold, pinch, or otherwise retain packagingstructures during various packaging steps. For example, hold-downdevices may be used to hold the packaging structure in place during theevacuation and/or sealing steps of a packaging process.

A relatively large amount of force may be exerted on the packagingstructure during the evacuation and/or sealing steps of a packagingprocess. This force can cause the packaging structure to slip and movefrom its retained position between one or more hold-down devices. Theslipping and/or moving of the packaging structure is commonly known aspackaging pull back. Packaging pull back may result in the packagingbeing sealed incorrectly and may require manufacturing rework. Forexample, the seal may be formed over the top of, or behind, theevacuation holes.

The force exerted on the packaging structure during the evacuationand/or sealing steps may also damage the packaging apparatus. Forexample, as the packaging structure is pulled away from its retainedposition, an undesirable amount of force may be applied to the hold-downdevice that is being used to retain the packaging structure. This forcemay cause the springs that attach the hold-down device to the packagingapparatus to bend and/or break. Replacing the damaged springs may beexpensive and time-consuming. The force may also cause additional damageto the packaging apparatus.

The disclosed hold-down devices may minimize the problems caused by theforces exerted on the packaging structure during the evacuation and/orsealing steps. For example, the disclosed hold-down devices are capableof pivoting and/or rotating about their longitudinal axis. By pivotingand/or rotating, the hold-down devices are capable of minimizing andeliminating the problems associated with packaging pull back. Forexample, as the force and tension on the packaging structure isincreased thereby pulling the packaging structure away from its retainedposition, the hold-down device may pivot and/or rotate. By pivotingand/or rotating, the pressure between one or more hold-down devices mayincrease resulting in a tightened grip on the packaging structure andminimizing pull back. By pivoting and/or rotating, the hold-down deviceis also capable of minimizing and eliminating damage caused to thepackaging apparatus as there is a decreased dependence on the one ormore springs that may couple the hold-down device to the packagingapparatus.

The embodiments disclosed herein may be best understood by reference tothe drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numeralsthroughout. It will be readily understood that the components of thepresent disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in thedrawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety ofdifferent configurations. Thus, the following more detailed descriptionof the embodiments of the apparatus is not intended to limit the scopeof the disclosure, but is merely representative of possible embodimentsof the disclosure. While the various aspects of the embodiments arepresented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scaleunless specifically indicated. In some cases, well-known structures,materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail.

The phrases “connected to,” “coupled to,” and “in communication with”refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, includingbut not limited to mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic,fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may be coupled to eachother even though they are not in direct contact with each other. Forexample, two components may be coupled to each other through anintermediate component.

FIGS. 1-2 are views of a hold-down device 100, according to the presentdisclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hold-downdevice 100, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the hold-downdevice 100 of FIG. 1, illustrating the individual components of thehold-down device 100. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the hold-down device 100may comprise an elongate member 110 and an attachment assembly 115. Theattachment assembly 115 may comprise a post 120, a fastener 122, and oneor more fastener blocks 124.

The elongate member 110 may be configured such that it extends along alongitudinal axis A_(L). The elongate member 110 may be substantiallylinear. In some embodiments, the elongate member 110 may be configuredsuch that it comprises a channel 112.

The channel 112 may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axisA_(L) of the elongate member 110. The channel 112 may vary in length.For example, in some embodiments, the channel 112 may extend along theentire length of the elongate member 110. In other embodiments, thechannel 112 may extend along only a portion of the length of theelongate member 110.

The shape of the elongate member 110 may vary. In some embodiments, theelongate member 110 may be substantially U-shaped when viewed along atransverse cross-section. In other embodiments, the elongate member 110may be substantially V-shaped when viewed along a transversecross-section. In other embodiments, the elongate member 110 may besubstantially cylindrical in shape. In yet other embodiments, theelongate member 110 may be substantially rectangular in shape.

In some embodiments, an elastomeric member may be coupled to theelongate member 110. The elastomeric member may comprise one or morepolymeric materials. The polymeric material may be relatively stiff. Theelastomeric member may be coupled inside of the channel 112 of theelongate member 110. In some embodiments, the elastomeric member may beconfigured such that it extends from the inside of the channel 112 tothe outside of the channel 112.

In some embodiments, the elongate member 110 may comprise one or moreapertures 134. Each aperture 134 may extend through the elongate member110. For example, each aperture 134 may extend through the bottom of thechannel 112. As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, apost 120 of an attachment assembly 115 may be configured to extendthrough an aperture 134 in the elongate member 110.

The elongate member 110 may be made of a variety of materials. In someembodiments, the elongate member 110 may comprise a metal. For example,the elongate member 110 may comprise stainless steel.

The elongate member 110 may be made in a variety of ways. In someembodiments, the elongate member 110 may be made from a single piece ofmaterial. For example, forming the elongate member 110 may comprisecutting and removing material from a substantially rectangular block ofmaterial to form the channel 112. In other embodiments, individualpieces may be coupled together to form the elongate member 110. Forexample, three individual pieces may be coupled together to form asubstantially U-shaped elongate member 110.

The length of the elongate member 110 may vary. For example, in someembodiments, the length of the elongate member 110 may be between about8 inches and about 16 inches. In other embodiments, the length of theelongate member 110 may be between about 10 inches and about 14 inches.In yet other embodiments, the length of the elongate member 110 may beabout 12 inches. The elongate member 110 may be longer, or shorter, asdesired.

As previously mentioned, the hold-down device 100 may comprise anattachment assembly 115. In some embodiments, the hold-down device 100may comprise a plurality of attachment assemblies 115. For example, thehold-down device 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 comprises two attachmentassemblies 115. The attachment assembly 115 may comprise a post 120, afastener 122, and one or more fastener blocks 124. In some embodiments,for example, each attachment assembly 115 may comprise a post 120, afastener 122, and a first and second fastener block 124. As shown inFIGS. 1-2, a first end of the post 120 may be coupled to the elongatemember 110 via the fastener 122 and one or more fastener blocks 124.

The post 120 may be coupled to the elongate member 110 in such a waythat the elongate member 110 may be configured to pivot and/or rotateabout its longitudinal axis A_(L) while the post 120 may remainstationary. In some embodiments, for example, the elongate member 110may be configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis A_(L) betweenabout 5° and about 50° in each direction. In other embodiments, theelongate member 110 may be configured to rotate about its longitudinalaxis A_(L) between about 15° and about 40° in each direction. In otherembodiments, the elongate member 110 may be configured to rotate aboutits longitudinal axis A_(L) between about 20° and about 35° in eachdirection. In other embodiments, the elongate member 110 may beconfigured to rotate about its longitudinal axis A_(L) between about 25°and about 30° in each direction.

The post 120 may be coupled to the elongate member 110 via the fastener122 and one or more fastener blocks 124 in a variety of ways. Forexample, the post 120 may comprise an aperture 132 through which thefastener 122 may extend. The one or more fastener blocks 124 may alsocomprise an aperture 130 through which the fastener 122 may extend. Byextending through the aperture 132 of the post 120, and the aperture 130in one or more fastener blocks 124, the fastener 122 may couple the post120 to the elongate member 110.

The shape and size of the post 120 may vary. In some embodiments, thepost 120 may be substantially cylindrical in shape. In otherembodiments, the post 120 may be substantially rectangular. Other shapesmay also be used.

Any variety of fasteners 122 may be used in the present disclosure. Forexample, in some embodiments, the fastener 122 may comprise a pin thatmay be cylindrically shaped. In other embodiments, the fastener 122 maycomprise a bolt. In other embodiments, the fastener 122 may comprise ascrew.

The one or more fastener blocks 124 may be coupled to the inside of thechannel 112 of the elongate member 110. For example, in some embodimentsthe one or more fastener blocks 124 may be welded to the inside of thechannel 112. In other embodiments, the one or more fastener blocks 124may be glued or adhered to the inside of the channel 112. In otherembodiments, the one or more fastener blocks 124 may be soldered to theinside of the channel 112. In yet other embodiments, the one or morefastener blocks 124 may be integral with the elongate member 110. Insome embodiments, the one or more fastener blocks 124 may be fixedlyattached to the inside of the channel 112 of the elongate member 110.

The attachment assembly 115 may also be configured to couple theelongate member 110 to a packaging apparatus, or a housing of apackaging apparatus. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the post 120 may extend fromthe elongate member 110 in a direction that is substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis A_(L) of the elongate member 110.In some embodiments, the post 120 may extend through an aperture 134 inthe elongate member 110.

The second end of the post 120 may be configured to be coupled to apackaging apparatus. The post 120 may couple to the packaging apparatusin a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the post 120 may beconfigured to be coupled to the packaging apparatus via a spring. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the post 120 may comprise an aperture126 that may be used to couple the post 120 to the packaging apparatusvia a spring. Other ways of attaching the post 120 to the packagingapparatus may also be used.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the hold-down device100 of FIG. 1 illustrating a manner in which the post 120 may be coupledto the elongate member 110 via the fastener 122 and one or more fastenerblocks 124. As shown in FIG. 3, the one or more fastener blocks 124 maybe coupled inside the channel 112 of the elongate member 110 such thatthe aperture 130 of the one or more fastener blocks 124 may be orientedparallel to the longitudinal axis A_(L) of the elongate member 110.

As further shown in FIG. 3, the fastener 122 may be disposed such thatit extends through an aperture 130 in a first fastener block 124,through an aperture 132 in the post 120, and through an aperture 130 ina second fastener block 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener122 may be disposed such that it is parallel to and/or aligned with thelongitudinal axis A_(L) of the elongate member 110. By being coupled inthis manner, the elongate member 110 may be capable of pivoting and/orrotating about its longitudinal axis A_(L).

FIGS. 4-5 are end views of the hold-down device 100 of FIG. 1. As shownin FIG. 4, the post 120 may be coupled to the elongate member 110 viathe fastener 122 and one or more fastener blocks 124 such that itextends from the elongate member 110 in a direction that issubstantially perpendicular to the elongate member 110. As shown in FIG.5 the elongate member 110 may be capable of pivoting and/or rotatingabout its longitudinal axis clockwise to a position that is at an angleθ when viewed from a transverse cross-section or an end view. Likewise,the elongate member 110 may be capable of pivoting and/or rotating aboutits longitudinal axis counterclockwise to a substantially similarposition in the opposite direction. In some embodiments, the elongatemember 110 may be capable or rotating clockwise (or counterclockwise) toa position wherein the angle θ is between about 5° and about 50°. Inother embodiments, the elongate member 110 may be capable or rotatingclockwise (or counterclockwise) to a position wherein the angle θ isbetween about 15° and about 40°. In other embodiments, the elongatemember 110 may be capable or rotating clockwise (or counterclockwise) toa position wherein the angle θ is between about 20° and about 35°. Inother embodiments, the elongate member 110 may be capable or rotatingclockwise (or counterclockwise) to a position wherein the angle θ isbetween about 25° and about 30°.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hold-down device 200, according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure. The hold-down device 200can, in certain respects, resemble components of the hold-down devicedescribed in connection with FIGS. 1-5 above. It will be appreciatedthat all the illustrated embodiments may have analogous features.Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals,with the leading digits incremented to “2.” (For instance, the hold-downdevice is designated “100” in FIGS. 1-5, and an analogous hold-downdevice is designated as “200” in FIG. 6.) Relevant disclosure set forthabove regarding similarly identified features thus may not be repeatedhereafter. Moreover, specific features of the hold-down device andrelated components shown in FIG. 6 may not be shown or identified by areference numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in thewritten description that follows. However, such features may clearly bethe same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in otherembodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments.Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally tothe features of the hold-down device of FIG. 6. Any suitable combinationof the features, and variations of the same, described with respect tothe hold-down device 100 and components illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, can beemployed with the hold-down device 200 and components of FIG. 6, andvice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to furtherembodiments depicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter.

As shown in FIG. 6, the hold-down device 200 may further comprise anelastomeric member 240 coupled to the elongate member 210. Theelastomeric member 240 may extend beyond the channel of the elongatemember 210. The elastomeric member 240 may extend the entire length ofthe elongate member 210. In other embodiments, the elastomeric member240 may extend along only a portion of the length of the elongate member210. The elastomeric member 240 may provide the hold-down device 200with traction to grip the packaging structure when used to retain thepackaging structure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hold-down device 300, according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, insome embodiments, the attachment assembly 315 may be coupled inside thechannel 312 of the elongate member 310 such that the post 320 extendsoutwardly from the channel 312 away from the bottom of the channel 312rather than extending through an aperture in the elongate member 310such as shown in FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a hold-down device 400 retaining apackaging structure 402, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The hold-down device 400 may be employed in variouspackaging apparatuses, such as for example, Cyrovac® Series 8600 RotaryVacuum Chamber Systems. In some embodiments, the hold-down device 400may be employed in a Cyrovac® 8600-14 packaging apparatus. In someembodiments, the hold-down device 400 may be utilized in the vacuumchamber of the packaging apparatus. In some embodiments, the hold-downdevice 400 may be utilized in the rotary chamber of a packagingapparatus.

The hold-down devices 400 disclosed herein may be used for a variety ofpurposes. For example, the hold-down devices 400 may be used withpackaging structures 402 that include polymeric and/or plasticmaterials. The hold-down devices 400 may be used to hold or retainplastic bags. Exemplary foods that may be packaged with a packagingapparatus that utilizes the hold-down devices 400 disclosed hereininclude any variety of meats.

As shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the hold-down device 400 mayinteract with a second hold-down device 401 or other bar, seat orholding device. In some embodiments, both hold-down devices may be ofthe type disclosed herein, whereas in other embodiments, one hold-downdevice may be of the type disclosed herein and the second holding device(bar, seat, or hold-down device) may be different. In some embodiments,a packaging apparatus may comprise an upper seat that is stationary andnon-pivoting 401 (“upper stationary seat”). The upper stationary seat401 may be configured to move downward towards the lower hold-downdevice 400 (the lower hold-down device 400 being of a type disclosedherein). For example, prior to the evacuation and/or sealing steps of apackaging process, the upper stationary seat 401 may move downwardtowards the lower hold-down device 400, thereby pinching, clamping, orotherwise retaining the packaging structure 402 between the upperstationary seat 401 and the lower hold-down device 400. For example, theupper stationary seat 401 and the lower hold-down device 400 mayinteract such that the neck of a bag or other packaging structure 402 ispinched, clamped, or otherwise retained between them, as is shown inFIG. 8.

During the evacuation step, the packaging apparatus may be configured toremove air from the packaging structure 402. As the air is removed fromthe packaging structure 402, forces may be exerted on the packagingstructure 402 causing tension on the packaging structure 402. Thetension may cause the packaging structure 402 to want to pull away fromthe upper stationary seat 401 and lower hold-down device 400.

As the tension on the packaging structure 402 increases, the elongatemember of the hold-down device 400 may pivot or rotate about itslongitudinal axis A_(L) towards the direction in which the packagingstructure 402 is being pulled. The pivoting or rotating of the elongatemember of the hold down 400 may increase the force holding the packagingstructure 402 between the upper stationary seat 401 and the lowerhold-down device 400.

In some embodiments, after the air has been removed from the packagingstructure 402, the packaging structure 402 may be sealed. For example,the packaging structure 402 may be heat sealed. In some embodiments,pressure may be applied on the packaging structure 402 during thesealing step. Additionally, in some embodiments, there is a piercingaction during either the evacuation and/or sealing steps. The piercingaction may also cause pressure to be exerted on the packaging structure402. As the tension on the packaging structure 402 increases due to thepressure exerted during the evacuation and/or sealing steps, theelongate member of the hold-down device 400 may pivot or rotate aboutits longitudinal axis A_(L) towards the direction in which the packagingstructure 402 is being pulled. The pivoting or rotating of the elongatemember of the hold down 400 may increase the force holding the packagingstructure 402 between the upper stationary seat 401 and the lowerhold-down device 400. As can be appreciated, in some embodiments, asecond hold down 400 of the type disclosed herein may be used in placeof the upper stationary seat 401 depicted in FIG. 8.

Methods of retaining a packaging structure using the hold-down devicesdisclosed herein are also contemplated. For example, the hold-downdevice may be used to retain a packaging structure during an evacuationand/or sealing step of a packaging process.

References to approximations are made throughout this specification,such as by use of the terms “about” or “approximately.” For each suchreference, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the value,feature, or characteristic may be specified without approximation. Forexample, where qualifiers such as “about,” “substantially,” and“generally” are used, these terms include within their scope thequalified words in the absence of their qualifiers. For example, wherethe term “substantially perpendicular” is recited with respect to afeature, it is understood that in further embodiments, the feature canhave a precisely perpendicular configuration.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “theembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with that embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recitedthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description ofembodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a singleembodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require morefeatures than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination offewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expresslyincorporated into the present written disclosure, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includesall permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims.Moreover, additional embodiments capable of derivation from theindependent and dependent claims that follow are also expresslyincorporated into the present written description.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the artcan use the preceding description to utilize the invention to itsfullest extent. The claims and embodiments disclosed herein are to beconstrued as merely illustrative and exemplary, and not a limitation ofthe scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent tothose having ordinary skill in the art, with the aid of the presentdisclosure, that changes may be made to the details of theabove-described embodiments without departing from the underlyingprinciples of the disclosure herein. In other words, variousmodifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosedin the description above are within the scope of the appended claims.The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claimsand their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A packaging system, comprising: a first hold-downdevice comprising: a first elongate member having a longitudinal axis,wherein the first elongate member is substantially U-shaped along atransverse cross-section; and a first post; wherein the first elongatemember is configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis in responseto a force exerted on a packaging structure during an evacuation orsealing step of a packaging process, and wherein the first post iscoupled to the first elongate member such that the first post isconfigured to remain in a fixed position while the first elongate memberrotates about its longitudinal axis; and a second hold-down devicecomprising: a second elongate member having a longitudinal axis; and asecond post.
 2. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the firstelongate member of the first hold-down device is configured to rotateabout its longitudinal axis in response to a force exerted on thepackaging structure during an evacuation step.
 3. The packaging systemof claim 1, wherein the first elongate member of the first hold-downdevice is configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis in responseto a force exerted on the packaging structure during a sealing step. 4.The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the first elongate member ofthe first hold-down device is configured to rotate about itslongitudinal axis in each of the clockwise and counterclockwisedirections to a position that is between about 5 and about 50 degrees.5. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the first hold-down devicefurther comprises: an attachment assembly, wherein the attachmentassembly comprises a fastener, and first and second fastener blocks,wherein a first end of the first post is coupled to the first elongatemember such that the first post extends from the first elongate memberin a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first elongatemember.
 6. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein the first and secondfastener blocks are coupled within a channel of the first elongatemember.
 7. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein the fastener isconfigured to couple the first post to the first and second fastenerblocks.
 8. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein the first and secondfastener blocks each comprise an aperture extending therethrough, andthe first end of the first post comprises an aperture extendingtherethrough, wherein the fastener couples the first post to the firstand second fastener blocks by extending at least partially through theaperture in the first fastener block, extending through the aperture inthe first end of the first post and extending at least partially throughthe aperture in the second fastener block.
 9. The packaging system ofclaim 5, wherein the first hold-down device further comprises a secondattachment assembly and another post.
 10. The packaging system of claim1, wherein the first post is substantially cylindrical in shape.
 11. Thepackaging system of claim 1, wherein the first elongate member isapproximately 12 inches long.
 12. The packaging system of claim 1,wherein the first hold-down device further comprises an apertureextending through the first elongate member, and wherein the first postextends through the aperture.
 13. The packaging system of claim 1,wherein the first hold-down device further comprises an elastomericmember that is coupled to the first elongate member.
 14. A hold-downdevice for use in an apparatus for manufacturing a package, comprising:an elongate member having a longitudinal axis, wherein the elongatemember comprises stainless steel; a first attachment assembly, whereinthe first attachment assembly comprises a first post, a first fastener,and first and second fastener blocks, wherein a first end of the firstpost is coupled to the elongate member such that the first post extendsfrom the elongate member in a direction that is substantiallyperpendicular to the elongate member, wherein the first and secondfastener blocks are coupled in a channel of the elongate member; asecond attachment assembly, wherein the second attachment assemblycomprises a second post, a second fastener, and third and fourthfastener blocks, wherein a first end of the second post is coupled tothe elongate member such that the second post extends from the elongatemember in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to theelongate member, wherein the third and fourth fastener blocks arecoupled in the channel of the elongate member; and an elastomeric memberthat is coupled to the elongate member; wherein the elongate member isconfigured to rotate about its longitudinal axis while each of the firstpost and the second post remains in a fixed position.
 15. The hold-downdevice of claim 14, wherein the elongate member is configured to rotateabout its longitudinal axis in response to a force exerted on apackaging structure during an evacuation or a sealing step of apackaging process.
 16. The hold-down device of claim 14, wherein theelongate member is configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis ineach of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions to a position thatis between about 5 and about 50 degrees.
 17. The hold-down device ofclaim 14, wherein the first post is substantially cylindrical in shape.18. The hold-down device of claim 14, wherein the elongate member issubstantially U-shaped along a transverse cross-section.
 19. Thehold-down device of claim 14, wherein the first fastener is configuredto couple the first post to the first and second fastener blocks. 20.The hold-down device of claim 14, wherein the first and second fastenerblocks each comprise an aperture extending therethrough, and the firstend of the first post comprises an aperture extending therethrough,wherein the first fastener couples the first post to the first andsecond fastener blocks by extending at least partially through theaperture in the first fastener block, extending through the aperture inthe first end of the first post and extending at least partially throughthe aperture in the second fastener block.